Harambee Starlets head coach, Beldine Odemba, has emphasized the significance of winning the first leg of their Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) qualifier against Tunisia, scheduled for this Friday at the Ulinzi Stars Complex in Lang’ata.According to Odemba, securing a home victory will be crucial in their quest to progress to the next round of qualifiers.##NAJAVA_MECA_8720391##Starlets, who last featured in the WAFCON nine years ago, will return to the international stage with hopes of making a strong statement. Odemba understands the advantage of playing at home and believes that victory in the first leg is essential.“It’s always important to play at home where you train regularly, with familiar weather and the support of your home crowd,” Odemba stated during a press briefing on Monday at the Absa training ground.“Winning at home is crucial for us. If we are to progress to the next round, we must win this match. We urge our fans to come out in large numbers to support us,” she added.Why Gor Mahia vs Yanga friendly match has been canceledIn preparation for the match, Starlets have played two friendly games, defeating Zetech Sparks 6-0 and edging out defending women’s league champions, Kenya Police Bullets, with a 2-1 victory. Odemba noted that these friendlies provided valuable insights for her and her technical team.“We were able to observe tactical changes during the two friendlies, and they have helped us identify areas that need improvement. We’ve been focusing on these areas, and we might play one more friendly before the match to ensure we are fully prepared,” said Odemba.Ethical reasons behind Dennis Oliech’s rejection of Ksh 200 million offerOdemba also highlighted the introduction of 11 new players to the national team, describing it as a testament to the wealth of talent in Kenya.“The inclusion of 11 new faces shows the abundance of talent we have in the country. When we identify talented players, we bring them closer to the national team and help them reach their full potential,” she added.While expressing confidence in her team’s preparations, Odemba acknowledged that Tunisia poses a formidable challenge. She is aware of the North African side’s strength, noting their frequent participation in FIFA windows.Date and venue for Mashemeji Derby confirmed“Tunisian football is doing well, and they are always active in international competitions, but we are prepared to give our best and push hard,” she said.The coach also revealed that some players might miss the game due to injuries but did not provide specific details.“Yes, we have some injuries, but I’d prefer not to go into detail about them at this moment,” she concluded.The second leg of the qualifier will take place in Tunis, Tunisia, on Tuesday,25 February, 2025.’I lost my passport’: Gor Mahia midfielder explains absence from Tusker draw
